Battle of Minatogawa

The Battle of Minatogawa was the first battle of the Nanboku-Cho Wars and a major battle of Go-Daigo's Rebellion. Emperor Go-Daigo was able to oust the Hojo shoguns, but the Ashikaga claimed the shogunate and defeated Go-Daigo's army at the Minato River, near Kobe.

Battle
In 1331 Japanese emperor Go-Daigo led a revolt against the Hojo shoguns. Among the imperial supporters was Kusunoke Masashige, who defied the Hojo from his mountain fortresses. The capture of their capital, Kamakura, in 1333 brought the Hojo's downfall, only for another clan, the Ashikaga, to launch a bid for power. In 1336 their army marched on the imperial capital. Go Daigo's commander, Nitta Yoshisada, called on Kusunoke to come to Kyoto's defense. Kusunoke protested at the decision to confront the Ashikaga, but reluctantly went along with it. The imperial forces took up position astride the Minato River. The Ashikaga advanced by land and sea, Tadayoshi and Shoni Yorihisa commanding the land forces, Ashikaga Takauji and Hosokawa the seaborne forces. Facing a frontal assault led by Shoni and threatened by Hosokawa from the rear, Nitta retreated. This left Kusunoke's small band hopelessly exposed. After six hours' fighting, with his situation hopeless, Kusunoke committed suicide along with his relatives and retainers.